The Old Man of the Mountains: c. 30,000 b.c. - May 2, 2003 It was uncertain when the outcropping actually fell because clouds had obscured the area Thursday and Friday. A state park trails crew reported Saturday morning that the Old Man of the Mountain was gone.

On Saturday, May 3, the staff of goLittleton.com scaled the Old Man's former cranium to obtain visual documentation of the geologic mishap.Three large turnbuckles, which had spanned an (ultimately fatal) fiberglass-epoxy covered crack, now grasp at thin air....

The profile has been New Hampshire's state emblem since 1945. It was put on the state's license plate, state highway-route signs, and the back of New Hampshire's Statehood Quarter, which is popularly promoted as the only US coin with a profile on both sides. Before the collapse, it could be seen from special viewing areas along Interstate 93 in Franconia Notch State Park, approximately 80 miles north of Concord, New Hampshire.

In November of 2003, a plan to honor the legacy of New Hampshire's icon was finalized by the Task Force. The first phase of the plan was completed in May 2004 with the installation at Franconia Notch Parkway viewing areas of high-tech viewers that show what the Old Man of the Mountain looked like before it fell. An award to honor individuals and organizations for their work in preserving the Old Man's legacy was also established in 2004.

Phase 2 involves the creation of a sculpture-lined walking path around Profile Lake. The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, in cooperation with the State of New Hampshire, is currently reviewing proposals from artists.

The Old Man of the Mountain Revitalization Task Force also recommended construction of an expanded museum at the base of Cannon Mountain and possibly a large-scale replica of the natural wonder. Fundraising for this third phase of the project is still underway. You can contribute to The Old Man of the Mountain Revitalization Fund by sending a donation to: Old Man of the Mountain Revitalization Fund, c/o Governor's Office, State House, Concord, NH 03301.